Extreme Makeover: Home Edition on ABC

By Adam Shuler

As the cliché goes, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” The strike by the Writers Guild of America has thrown this television season into disarray, with a flurry of scheduling changes and new shows resulting in a TV landscape that is tough to navigate. Throughout these changes, however, it’s good to know some great shows are unaffected. ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is always a fine example of reality television, chronicling families throughout the country in need of a new home. It is, as always, an excellent choice for our Best of the Week.

This episode, originally airing on January 6th, centers on the Ray-Smith family from Milbridge, Maine. Education figures prominently in this family, as both parents are teachers (Brittany was recently honored with the Teacher of the Year award for the state). But their life is not without challenges. Eight-year-old Tommy was recently diagnosed with autism, and three-year-old JoJo shows many of the same symptoms of the affliction. In addition, dad Ron, daughter Bailey, and Tommy suffer from hyperlipidemia, which gives them dangerously high levels of cholesterol.

Because the family has to spend a lot of money on medical care, little is left for repairs on their 100-year-old ancestral home.  Problems with the home include a leaking roof, the house sliding off of the foundation, and unsafe, outdated electrical wiring. 

As always, Ty Pennington, his design team, and a host of local volunteers work hard to create a safer, better home for the Ray-Smith family. When the family comes back from their vacation, they are thrilled to see a beautiful new home. Tommy’s room not only features a theme he loves (dinosaurs), but was also designed with consideration for his autism (with the assistance of a local children’s program that helps challenged children). In addition to respecting the wishes of the family, the design team also makes sure proper tribute is paid to their ancestors.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition continues to be one of the most positive shows on television. It consistently highlights positive traits such as selflessness, consideration, and optimism. For continuing to be uplifting television that the whole family can enjoy, it is an ideal choice for Best of the Week.

Best TV Show of the Week

The Parents Television Council - www.parentstv.org